You're going on vacation in a week and your period is due right in the middle of the trip. Or maybe you have a wedding, a sports competition, or a romantic weekend coming up. In short, you want to delay your period by a few days and you're looking for solutions. Between the home remedies found on the internet (lemon, vinegar, gelatin) and real medical methods, how can you find your way around?
Let's be honest with you, The only scientifically proven methods to delay your period are hormonal.Continuous pills, norethisterone, contraceptive patches. Everything else (lemon, exercise, herbs) is at best folklore, at worst a dangerous myth. This article tells you exactly what really works, how it works, and what you can do depending on your situation.
⚡ What we will tell you
The Myths We're Going to Demolish Live
Before we talk about real solutions, let's clear the air about all the "natural tricks" circulating on the internet. None of them have solid scientific evidence. Worse, some can actually harm you.
The Lemon: The Most Persistent Myth
The idea? Drink lemon juice diluted in water three times a day, one week before your period, to create an "acidic environment" that would delay menstrual flow. Here's the truth: it's completely false.
Why Lemon Doesn't Work
When applied to the skin, lemon helps blood clot thanks to calcium. But when you drink it, it's exactly the opposite: Lemon acts as a blood thinner. It may even increase your menstrual flow rather than delay it.
There are no scientific studies proving that lemon delays periods. Zero. Nada. The only "evidence" is anecdotal evidence with no scientific value.
The risks : The acidity of lemon can irritate your teeth, gums, mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Consumed in large amounts, it can cause heartburn and digestive upset.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Same Fight
Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water, three times a day, one week before your period. Sound familiar? It's the same principle as lemon, with the same problems.
Apple cider vinegar does have benefits for certain conditions (acne, digestion), but no credible research supports its effectiveness in delaying periods. The only study mentioning apple cider vinegar and menstruation involved women with polycystic ovary syndrome, not delayed periods in healthy women.
Gelatin: Total Nonsense
Drinking water mixed with a sachet of powdered gelatin is said to stop your period for a few hours. This trick is widely circulated, but scientists don't even understand where this belief comes from. No research has ever focused on the effect of gelatin on menstruation.
Additionally, excessive consumption of gelatin can cause bloating and digestive upset. You may just be feeling unwell for nothing.
Intensive Sport: It Works, But at What Cost
This is the only "natural method" that has a real effect. High-level athletes often notice an interruption or delay in their periods during periods of intense training or competition. But be warned: this is not good news.
Why intensive sport delays periods
When your body expends a lot of energy, it goes into energy-saving mode. It shuts down non-vital functions, including the menstrual cycle. This is called sports amenorrhea.
The problem : This amenorrhea signals that your body is under extreme stress. This is not healthy. You can't decide to run 15 km a day just to delay your period by a few days without putting your health at risk.
The 3 Methods That Really Work
Let's get down to business. Here are the only scientifically proven methods for delaying your period. All are hormonal and require medical advice.
1. The Continuous Contraceptive Pill
For who : Women who are already taking a combined pill (estrogen-progestin)
How it works : Instead of taking the 7-day break (or taking the placebo pills), you immediately start a new pack. Your "period" while on the pill isn't a real period, but a withdrawal bleed caused by the cessation of hormones. By continuing to take the pill, you maintain your hormones and prevent this bleeding.
Time required: None if you're already on the pill. You simply decide not to take the break.
Efficiency: Very high (85-90%). But intermenstrual bleeding (spotting) can occur in 10-15% of women.
Duration: You can delay your period from a few days to several weeks by taking packs in a row.
Important: This method does NOT work with the mini-pill (estrogen-free pill). Check the type of pill you are taking.
2. Norethisterone (Prescription)
For who : Women who are NOT taking the pill or who want to delay their period punctually
Norethisterone is a synthetic progestin specifically prescribed to delay periods. It is the most common solution in the United Kingdom and several European countries. Unfortunately, it is not marketed in France in this form, but your doctor can prescribe an equivalent.
💡 How it works: Norethisterone maintains high progesterone levels, which prevents the uterine lining from shedding and therefore delays periods.
- Dosage: 5 mg three times a day (i.e. 15 mg/day)
- When to start: 3 days before your expected period
- Duration: You can take it for up to 3-4 weeks
- Rules after stopping: 2 to 3 days after stopping treatment
- Efficiency: 92% according to a 2019 randomized study. Only 8% of women experienced spotting, compared to 43% with the combined pill taken late in the cycle.
⚠️ Important: Norethisterone is NOT a contraceptive. Use a condom if you don't want to get pregnant. One study also showed that it is partially metabolized to ethinylestradiol (the estrogen in pills), which means it is not recommended for women at risk of venous thrombosis.
3. The Contraceptive Patch or Vaginal Ring
For who : Women who already use these contraceptive methods
The contraceptive patch: Normally worn for 3 weeks and then removed for 1 week. To delay your period, apply a new patch immediately after the 3rd week, without a break.
The vaginal ring: Same principle. Insert a new ring directly after removing the previous one, without the usual week's break.
Efficiency: Similar to the continuous pill (85-90%). Risk of light spotting.
What If You Have an IUD?
With a copper IUD, you cannot delay your period. The copper IUD is not hormonal, so it has no effect on your cycle. Your period comes naturally.
With a hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Jaydess), many women have already missed their periods or have a very light flow. If you still have your period with a hormonal IUD, you cannot voluntarily delay it. The device delivers a constant dose of hormones that you cannot change.
Side Effects to Expect
Delaying your period is not a trivial matter. Your body is receiving an extra dose of hormones, which can cause side effects.
💡 Advice : If this is your first time delaying your period for an important event, try the method one cycle before to see how your body reacts. You don't want to find out you're nauseous on your wedding day.
Is It Dangerous to Delay Your Period?
Occasionally delaying your period (1 to 2 times a year maximum) is safe for your health if you use an approved hormonal method. "Periods" under hormonal contraception are not real menstrual periods, but artificial bleeding created by the drop in hormones. Therefore, there is no "retained blood" or accumulated toxins.
When it's problematic
If you do it regularly: Missing your period every month or several times a year can disrupt your natural cycle and make your periods irregular later on.
If you have contraindications: Women with a history of venous thrombosis, migraines with aura, severe hypertension, or certain liver diseases should not take supplemental hormones.
If you are a teenager: Before the age of 15, it is not recommended to delay your period. The cycle is still in place and it is important to monitor it to detect potential problems.
Comfortable Protection During Your Period
Can't delay your period this time? Our Period Panties offer up to 12 hours of protection so you can enjoy your vacation or event with complete peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 Methods That Work (7 Myths to Forget)
Delaying your period is possible, but only with hormonal methods. Lemon, vinegar, gelatin, and other "natural tricks" don't work. The only reliable options are the continuous pill (if you're already taking it), prescription norethisterone, or the contraceptive patch/ring.
Plan at least 3 days in advance, test the method before an important event, and don't make it a habit. Mild side effects (spotting, nausea) can occur in 10-15% of women.
If you have a copper IUD or are not taking hormonal contraception, consult your doctor who can prescribe appropriate treatment. And remember, having your period while on vacation isn't the end of the world. With the right protection, you can do anything.
Sources & References
This article is based on scientific studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
- Mansoor N, et al. (2019). Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: a randomized trial. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine. DOI: 10.1186/s40834-019-0091-y
- Shakespeare J, et al. (2000). Is norethisterone a lifestyle drug? Results of database analysis. British Medical Journal. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.320.7230.291
- Boruah AM, et al. (2024). Effect of norethisterone dose and duration in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding: a narrative review. Drugs in Context. DOI: 10.7573/dic.2024-4-1
- Mansour D. (2012). Safer prescribing of therapeutic norethisterone for women at risk of venous thromboembolism. Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care. DOI: 10.1136/jfprhc-2012-100389
- NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (2024). Choosing a medicine to delay periods. Clinical guidance for healthcare professionals.
Footnotes : DOI links provide direct access to original scientific publications.
Medical Warning: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or gynecologist before delaying your period.
